Tiberius

Tiberius (Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus) , 42 BC-AD 37, second Roman emperor (AD 14-AD 37). He was the son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla and was originally named Tiberius Claudius Nero. He campaigned (20 BC) in Armenia, became (19 BC) governor of Transalpine Gaul, and aided (12 BC) his brother Drusus on the Rhine and the Danube. Augustus , his stepfather, compelled him (12 BC) to divorce his wife, Vipsania Agrippina, and to marry Julia, the widow of Agrippa and daughter of Augustus. After the death of Drusus (9 BC) he campaigned in Germany, and following a second consulship (7 BC) he retired to Rhodes for seven years. On his return he was adopted as heir of the emperor and was sent (AD 4) into Germany. Five years later he subjugated Illyricum. Tiberius succeeded without difficulty on the death of Augustus in AD 14. He spent his efforts in continuing the policies of Augustus, with one exception; he drastically cut luxury expenses, including public shows. By so doing and by reforming the tax situation in the provinces he greatly improved the financial state of the government and made himself extremely unpopular in Rome. For years Sejanus was his chief aid and confidant. Tiberius retired to Capri in AD 26 and ruled thereafter by correspondence. He grew suspicious of intrigues and in AD 31 had Sejanus killed. Modern historians have been inclined to treat his administration more favorably than did Roman historians. He was succeeded by Caligula.

Bibliography: See studies by F. B. Marsh (1931) and R. Seager (1972).

Tiberius, Julius Caesar (42 bc–ad 37) Roman Emperor (ad 14–37). He was the stepson of Augustus, who adopted him as his heir (ad 4). Initially, his administration was just and moderate, but he became increasingly fearful of conspiracy and had many people executed for alleged treason. Tiberius left Rome and spent his last years in seclusion on Capri.

Tiberius (full name Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus) (42 BC–37 AD) Roman emperor (14–37 AD). He was the adopted successor of his stepfather and father-in-law Augustus, under whom he had pursued a distinguished military career. As emperor he sought to continue his stepfather's policies but became increasingly tyrannical and his reign was marked by a growing number of treason trials and executions. In 26 he retired to Capri, never returning to Rome.